Online Reporter
HWANGE District is undergoing significant transformation from a coal mining-dependent destination into a diversified tourism and investment hub, leveraging its strategic location near Hwange National Park and growing commercial opportunities.
In this question-and-answer interview, Hwange Local Board communications officer Dumisani Nsingo shares insights with Senior Business Reporter Nqobile Bhebhe on the local authority’s vision, tourism investment drive, infrastructure development and how mining-led growth is being harnessed to unlock opportunities across other sectors.
Q. Hwange is mainly recognised as a mining town. What are the prospects for its transformation into a diversified economic centre focused on tourism, commerce, industry, and services? What steps are needed to realise this vision?
A. Yes, Hwange has the potential to evolve from being primarily a mining town into a diversified economic centre driven by tourism, commerce, industry and services.
As Hwange Local Board, we have already begun laying the foundation for this transformation through a deliberate marketing and investment promotion strategy.
Recognising that some potential investors were hesitant to invest in Hwange due to concerns about the long-term sustainability of a mining-dependent economy, we repositioned our investment narrative.
Rather than marketing Hwange solely as a mining town, we now promote it as a tourism destination with thriving mining activities.
This approach highlights the district’s diverse economic opportunities and its potential beyond extractive industries.
The roadmap towards economic diversification focuses on leveraging Hwange’s strategic advantages.
These include its proximity to the world-renowned Hwange National Park, its established energy and mining infrastructure, growing residential developments, and its location along key regional transport corridors.
We are actively encouraging investment in tourism facilities, hospitality services, retail and commercial developments, manufacturing, renewable energy projects, housing, and value-addition industries linked to mining and agriculture.
At the same time, we continue to invest in infrastructure development, improve service delivery and create an enabling environment for business through strategic partnerships with both the public and private sectors.
The growth in housing developments, commercial activities and energy projects within Hwange demonstrates the confidence that investors are increasingly placing in the town.
Our vision is to build a resilient and sustainable local economy where mining remains an important pillar, but one that is complemented by a vibrant tourism sector, a growing industrial base, expanding commerce and a thriving services sector.
Through this balanced approach, Hwange can secure long-term economic growth, create employment opportunities and improve the quality of life for its residents long after the lifespan of its mineral resources.
Q. Which specific tourism opportunities is Hwange Local Board marketing to investors and what level of response has been received?
A. Hwange Local Board is actively marketing a range of tourism investment opportunities that leverage our strategic location as the gateway to one of Africa’s premier tourism destinations.
These opportunities include land designated for the development of an upmarket hotel, tourism lodges, and recreational facilities such as theme parks and family entertainment centres.
In recent years, we have advertised two lodge stands and one hotel stand to potential investors.
These prime tourism sites are strategically located overlooking the proposed new Central Business District, offering investors a unique opportunity to develop hospitality facilities in an area expected to become a major commercial and business hub.
While there has been interest and inquiries from prospective investors, the response levels have not yet been sufficient to achieve the level of competition we would ideally want for the bidding process.
To enhance visibility and attract a wider pool of investors, we have continued promoting these opportunities at major investment forums and exhibitions, including the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair and other business engagement platforms.
We remain optimistic that, given the continued growth of Hwange’s economy, expanding tourism traffic, and increasing investor confidence in the district, these tourism investment opportunities will attract the required level of interest in the near future.
The proposed developments have the potential to significantly strengthen Hwange’s tourism and hospitality sector while complementing the growth of the new Central Business District and contributing to the town’s broader economic diversification agenda.
Q. We understand that Hwange Local Board investor interest increased significantly following engagements at the 2026 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
What tangible investment commitments or inquiries have been secured so far, and what sectors are attracting the most attention?
A. The 2026 Zimbabwe International Trade Fair generated considerable investor interest in Hwange, resulting in a significant number of inquiries from both local and international investors.
The strongest interest has been in the tourism and hospitality sector, with several prospective investors seeking opportunities to establish lodges, hotels and related tourism facilities that leverage Hwange’s proximity to world-renowned tourism attractions.
We also received inquiries from investors interested in renewable energy projects, particularly solar power generation, which complements Hwange’s position as Zimbabwe’s energy hub.
In addition, a number of potential investors expressed interest in entering into Public-Private Partnerships for various infrastructure and service delivery projects identified by the Hwange Local Board.
While most engagements are still at inquiry and evaluation stage, we are encouraged by the positive follow-up discussions that have taken place since ZITF.
We anticipate that some of these inquiries will translate into concrete investments as the year progresses. The exhibition provided an important platform to showcase Hwange’s investment potential, and we are confident that our efforts successfully positioned the town as an attractive investment destination offering strong prospects for sustainable growth and competitive returns on investment.
Q. Mining appears to be the major catalyst behind Hwange’s economic transformation.
How is the local authority leveraging mining-led growth to diversify the local economy and attract investment into other sectors?
A. Indeed, mining remains the primary driver of Hwange’s economic transformation, with coal mining and power generation forming the backbone of the local economy.
The expansion of mining operations has stimulated significant economic activity, leading to increased infrastructure development, population growth and rising demand for goods and services.
As a local authority, our strategy is to leverage this mining-led growth as a foundation for broader economic diversification.
Increased investment in mining has created opportunities in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, commerce, retail, housing development, construction, transport and other support services. The growing workforce and business community have also expanded the local market, making Hwange an increasingly attractive destination for investors.
To accelerate diversification, we have intensified efforts to market Hwange not only as Zimbabwe’s energy capital but also as a tourism and investment destination.
Our proximity to Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls presents immense opportunities for investment in tourism and hospitality.
At the same time, we continue to promote opportunities in commercial property development, manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, healthcare and other service industries.
Our vision is to ensure that the benefits of mining extend beyond the extractive sector and serve as a catalyst for building a diversified, resilient and sustainable local economy that creates long-term opportunities for both investors and residents.
Q. The ongoing construction activity at Baobab Shopping Centre is being cited as evidence of growing investor confidence.
Can you provide details on the scale of investment taking place and the expected economic impact?
A. The ongoing development at Baobab Shopping Centre is a strong indicator of growing investor confidence in Hwange and reflects the increasing demand for quality commercial and service infrastructure within the town.
Baobab Shopping Centre has been earmarked as Hwange’s premier commercial hub and is steadily taking shape as such.
Over the past year, the area has witnessed a surge in construction activity, with several investors developing retail outlets, office spaces and healthcare facilities.
These investments are expanding the range of services available to residents while enhancing the attractiveness of the centre as a business destination.
In addition to the new developments currently underway, there is a multi-storey commercial building whose construction stalled more than 15 years ago.
The property was subsequently acquired by a reputable medical services provider with plans to transform it into a modern healthcare and office facility.
While progress on the project has been slower than anticipated, Hwange Local Board is actively engaging the investor to ensure that development commences within agreed timelines.
Should there be continued delays without satisfactory justification, Council will consider exercising its rights under the lease agreement, including repossessing the property for reallocation to investors ready to develop it.
Q. How many jobs are expected to be created through developments at Baobab Shopping Centre during both the construction and operational phases?
A. The economic impact of the infrastructure developments at Baobab Shopping Centre is expected to be substantial. During the current construction phase, the project is creating employment opportunities for local contractors, artisans, and suppliers, thereby stimulating economic activity within the community.
Once completed, the new commercial, office and service facilities will create additional permanent jobs, complementing the employment already provided by businesses currently operating within the centre.
The development is also expected to attract more investment, increase business activity and enhance service delivery, further contributing to Hwange’s economic growth and development. We expect more than 100 people to be permanently employed once the developments are fully operational.
Q. What types of businesses are expected to occupy the new commercial spaces, and how will this transform the local economy?
A. The new commercial spaces are expected to accommodate a diverse mix of businesses, including retail outlets, entertainment facilities such as sports bars and recreational centres, professional offices, health and medical facilities, as well as other service-oriented enterprises.
These businesses will stimulate economic activity by creating employment opportunities, attracting further investment and increasing the circulation of money within the local economy.
They will also broaden the local authority’s revenue base while improving residents’ access to essential goods and services that previously required travel to other towns and cities.
More importantly, these developments are helping to reshape Hwange’s economic landscape by fostering growth in commerce, healthcare, hospitality and the service sector, thereby contributing to the transformation of Hwange into a more diversified, resilient and vibrant economic centre.
Q. Several international companies, mostly in the mining sector, have established operations in Hwange. What impact have these investments had on local economic development, employment creation and revenue generation?
A. Over the past decade, Hwange has experienced significant growth in investment, particularly in the coal mining and coal processing sectors, with several new local and international companies establishing operations in the district.
These investments have created direct and indirect employment opportunities, increased household incomes and stimulated business activity across sectors including housing, transport, retail and other support industries.
Increased disposable incomes have also contributed to higher levels of economic activity within the town.
From the local authority’s perspective, this growth has strengthened the revenue base through increased collections from property rates, service charges, licences and other statutory fees.
The resulting revenue has enhanced Council’s capacity to invest in infrastructure development and service delivery, supporting Hwange’s transformation into a vibrant and diversified economic hub.
Q. Hwange is increasingly being described as one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing economic hubs. What factors have driven this remarkable growth, and how sustainable is it?
A. Hwange is increasingly emerging as one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-growing economic centres, largely driven by substantial investments in coal mining, energy generation and related industries.
These investments have stimulated economic activity, created employment opportunities and attracted supporting businesses and services.
While we cannot independently verify the estimated 90 percent adult employment rate, it is evident that a significant proportion of Hwange’s adult population is economically active.
Many residents are employed by mining companies, power generation entities and businesses supporting these sectors, while others are engaged in commerce, tourism, construction, transport and informal enterprises.
The continued expansion of mining and energy projects, coupled with growth in housing, retail, tourism and service industries, has positioned Hwange as a key economic hub with strong potential for sustained growth and job creation.
Continued diversification will ensure the local economy remains resilient beyond the mining sector.
